Natural Area Land Management Assistants CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN: DIVISION OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION Restoration Ecology Department: Prairie, River and Woodland Ecosystems
(4-5 positions, 2-9 months, starting as early as March 24, 2008) Looking for individuals who are physically fit, are eager for hands-on re= storation experience, have=20 good knowledge of native, regional flora or capacity and willingness to l= earn it, and relish being in=20 the out-of-doors. PURPOSE Individuals in these positions will assist in the management and developm= ent of natural areas=20 created and restored at the Chicago Botanic Garden: specifically, the 15-= acre Dixon Prairie, a 25- acre urban river corridor and a remnant 100-acre oak woodland. Approxima= tely 250 native plant=20 species grow in the six prairie types found in the Dixon prairies (mesic,= gravel hill, sand, wet,=20 savanna and fen), 200 native plant species in the various wetland and pra= irie communities that=20 traverse the river corridor, and over 300 native species in the oak woodl= and. RESPONSIBILITIES A significant portion of the work will comprise invasive weed management,= including e.g.,=20 herbicide application, mowing, digging, cutting brush, removing debris an= d deadheading.=20=20 In addition to weed management, activities such as planting, watering, se= ed nursery oversight,=20 and seed collection and cleaning will be performed, under the supervision= of one of the Garden=92s=20 restoration ecologists. Safe operation of small equipment including mowe= rs, hedge trimmers,=20 water pumps, and sprayers will be required. Care and responsibility for = Garden tools and=20 machines is expected.=20=20 Some positions will involve significant supervision of volunteers.=20=20 Assistants will be expected to learn components of the flora in the ecosy= stem in which they are=20 working.=20=20 Assistants who participate in the requisite training may be able to assis= t in controlled burns.=20=20=20=20 Assistants may be expected to assist with plant surveys, data entry, lite= rature research and report=20 writing. Miscellaneous office work and organizational duties will be req= uired.=20=20 All positions are labor-intensive and physically demanding, requiring lif= ting or carrying heavy=20 loads (up to 40 lbs) and working long periods in the out-of-doors under a= rduous conditions (heat,=20 mosquitoes, exposure to poison ivy), often performing repetitive tasks.=20= =20=20=20 POSITION REQUIREMENTS BS/BA in biological sciences or related field (current junior and seniors= may apply). Plant=20 identification skills. Knowledge of local flora preferred but not requir= ed. Individuals must be able=20 to work alone for long hours in the out-of-doors performing repetitive, a= rduous tasks under=20 inclement conditions (heat, rain, mosquitoes, poison ivy). Organizational= and people skills and an=20 ability to work both independently as well as in a team setting are neede= d. Assistants are=20 expected to be able to take and pass the State of Illinois=92 General Sta= ndards Pesticide License Test=20 and be able to carry and lift 40 pounds. Experience with Microsoft Offic= e Excel and Word=20 programs is desirable. A valid driver=92s license is necessary with a go= od driving record.=20 SALARY: $11-12/hour plus paid holidays. 40 hours/week. APPLICATION DEADLI= NE: When filled.=20 APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Forward a cover letter (explaining work goals, rea= son for seeking=20 position, available dates) and resume by e-mail to Joan O=92Shaughnessy,=20= [EMAIL PROTECTED] Copy of transcript may be requested. Send t= o Joan O=92Shaughnessy,=20 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022.
